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February 28, 2020. March: Aminata Sylla, 10th grader at Imhotep Charter School, Philadelphia, PA

Aminata considers herself as loving and hard working. She enjoys listening to Ariana Grande and hopes to see her live one day. Her three older siblings are a huge part of her beautiful family with whom she doesn’t know what she would without. Family is especially important when battling something as difficult as cancer.

In March of 2019, Aminata was experiencing horrible pain in her left leg. She started physical therapy at Einstein Hospital but it didn’t help. An MRI diagnosed her pain as Osteosarcoma. Aminata started chemotherapy at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Chemotherapy lasted 8 months with three different medications. Cancer has not stopped her and she fights with a positive attitude. Aminata hopes to spread positivity and inspire others. She would also like to be an author/writer.

Information provided by the Spotlight, herself.

January 31, 2020. February: Aiden Rohn, 4th grader at Poplin Elementary, Indian Trail, NC

Aiden is a 9 year old boy who loves all things electronic. He has a very inquisitive nature and enjoys science. Some of his favorite games are Minecraft & Monopoly. He is a caring and compassionate child.

This past Fall, Aiden had a virus with consistent cough and chest pain that antibiotics didn’t heal. So, Mom pushed for an X-ray which found a 4” mass near his heart. On December 4th, Aiden was diagnosed with Tcell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. Treatment at Levine Children’s Hospital began right away with several side effects from chemotherapy like bleeding, clotting and seizures. Aiden recently resumed chemotherapy. Mom dreams of full remission and a happy, healthy life where Aiden can pursue any and all dreams and goals.

You can follow his journey at aidenrohn.blogspot.com.

Information provided by his mother, Renee Rohn.

January 3, 2020. January: Alexandra Lucaciu, Philadelphia, PA

Alexandra has a powerful personality that shines through when you see her eyes and her smile. She is a smart little girl who loves to imitate adults and spend time with her 4 year old brother, Victor. At her young age, Alexandra has already learned to be very strong and brave.

In August of 2019, The Lucacius were on vacation in Mexico where it became very apparent that Alexandra was not feeling well. She was sleepy, feverish and not acting herself. As soon as they returned, her father took her to St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children where she was diagnosed with Pre-B ALL. This came as a huge shock to the family but they are thankful she was diagnosed quickly and started her treatment right away. Alexandra has been through a lot in her very short time but she is a fighter and her family gives her so much joy and happiness.

Information provided by her parents, Andreia & Michael.

December 4, 2019. December: Tyler Claussen, West Chester, PA

Tyler turned 3 years old in September and is the youngest of 3. He looks up to his older sister, Brianna and older brother, Nate. Playdoh, kinetic sand & hide & seek are some of his favorite things to do. Tyler is a very loving, funny & happy boy when he is feeling well. When he is not feeling well, he loves to snuggle.

Last summer, Tyler had a few fevers and pain in his groin. After emergently taking him to A.I. DuPont, they found a 12cm mass in his abdomen. Tyler was diagnosed with High Risk Neuroblastoma – MYCN Amplification and ALK Gene Positivity. His battle has included 5 rounds of chemotherapy, tumor resection surgery, stem cell transplants, proton radiation and 6 rounds of immunotherapy. Mom wishes her son nothing but a happy, healthy & long life.

Please join Team Tyler in Facebook groups to follow his journey.

Information provided by his mother, Amanda Claussen.

November 1, 2019. November: Brynlee Lawlar, Prospect Park, PA

Brynlee is a loving and smart 7 year old girl. She is very artistic and loves to play with her cat, Casey. LOL Dolls, Barbies and Candyland are a few of her favorite toys.

In October of 2016, Brynlee was experiencing upper left leg pain as well as a very high fever. Her pediatrician recommended taking her to DuPont for bloodwork. At the young age of 4, Brynlee was diagnosed with Philadelphia Positive Pre B cell ALL. She immediately started an intense chemotherapy treatment and since then has gone through 18 cycles plus 8 doses of cranial radiation. Her mother wants her daughter to grow up to be a young woman who lives her life to the fullest and does everything she wants because she deserves it all. When she grows up, Brynlee says she wants to be a vet to help animals.

You can follow her journey here: www.facebook.com/brynleesbattlebuddies

Information provided by her mother, Lisa.

November 1, 2019. October: Ernesto Figueroa, Whitehall, PA

Ernesto is a spunky, funny and energetic 5 year old boy who loves to be active. He loves to talk and tease, which he does with a smile. Ernesto is the second of three boys! They love to play transformers and card games together. He also has a dog and a cat at home.

In June of 2018, Ernesto was experiencing sore legs. Black and blue marks started to appear on his legs. After many tests, he was diagnosed with Leukemia. He is being treated at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children with chemotherapy. Ernesto is currently awaiting Car-T cell therapy. He tells us he wants to be Dr. Halligan when he grows up and he loves to visit Robin’s office (only when she has toys). Ernesto will continue to fight with the love and support of his family and friends.

Information provided by his parents, Doreen & Christian.

June 1, 2018. June: Linh Vuong, Blue Bell, PA

This little dancer has just turned 5 years old and looking forward to Kindergarten next year! Linh loves to spend time with her three older sisters. They like to sing, play games and stay active. Linh always has a smile on her face even when she has to celebrate her birthday in the hospital.

In February, Linh suffered from a nose bleed that would not stop. Her parents rushed her to St. Christopher’s where they ordered some lab work. Linh has been diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Her treatment plan has consisted of bone marrow tests, chemotherapy, blood transfusions and platelet transfusions. Linh is a fighter and never gives up. Her family hopes for a cure so she can get back to summer with her sisters.

Information provided by her mother, Stephanie.

May 2, 2018. May: Giovanna DeMarco, Gwynedd Valley, PA

Giovanna is an honor student at William Penn Charter School where she was inducted into the Cum Laude Society.  She is currently wrapping up her senior year and counting down the days till graduation. Giovanna has accepted an athletic scholarship to Wake Forest University where she will continue her soccer career. When she is not on the field, she likes to spend time with her family and friends.

William Penn Charter requires Seniors to complete a Comprehensive Project as a way to engage in service and address some of the most pressing issues in their community. Giovanna has chosen to work with Michael’s Way and run a food drive to support the Oncology families at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children located in Philadelphia. The drive will help to alleviate stress for these families who have to devote most of their time to care for their sick child.

If you are interested in contributing, here is the list of acceptable items:

Non-perishables
– Soups – Beans – Veggies – Pasta – Sauce – Mac & Cheese – Rice – Canned Tuna & Chicken – Peanut Butter – Jelly – Crackers – Cookies

Others
 – Laundry detergent pods, dish detergent pods, Lysol wipes, Body Wash, Shampoo & Conditioner, Hand Soap, Size 6 Diapers

Dropbox location:
Michael’s Way Office
175 Commerce Dr, Suite 400
Fort Washington, PA 19034

If you are unable to get to the office, consider shipping to the Michael’s Way office from Amazon:
www.smile.amazon.com

Penn Charter Community:
There are drop-boxes located in the lobbies of the Upper, Middle and Lower Schools.

The food will be delivered to St. Christopher’s Hospital on Wednesday, May 23rd. Thank you for your consideration!

March 30, 2018. April: Shannon Hartey, Childhood Cancer Survivor, Mays Landing, NJ

At age 29, Shannon is a 22-year childhood cancer survivor where she was treated at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Eight years after Shannon was cleared of her cancer she started a non-profit organization while in her junior year of high school; Shannon’s Dream, later rebranded into Room for Hope.

In the 10 years Shannon ran the organization she was faced with the diagnosis of skin cancer, a benign brain tumor and ovarian cysts caused by Endometriosis. Shannon recently graduated with a Master’s Degree from Saint Joseph’s University with a degree in Organizational Development & Leadership which was an especially meaningful achievement since her pediatric doctors didn’t see her surpassing high school.

Although she does not actively run Room for Hope, she does many other pediatric cancer outreach work and plans to start something similar in the future to continue her true passion of bettering lives of children with childhood cancer.

“Strength comes from struggle. When you learn to see your struggles as opportunities to become stronger, better, wiser, then your thinking shifts from “I can’t do this” to “I must do this”. – Toni Sorenson

March 7, 2018. No events at this time. Check back later.